Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Driving in the mountains on I-70 in Colorado, the check engine light came on indicating an emission issue. The vehicle would only go a 27 mph in a 65 mph zone. I had to drive in the right lane with semis and other vehicles passing me. I got to the dealer and they are saying the the DEF injector/dosing module (injects urea into the exhaust stream ahead of the SCR catalyst) had failed. This comp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I was driving back home and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I started driving, but my car was jerking a little too much. I pulled over and turned my car off. When I cut my car back on my brake became very hard to the point I had to push down extra hard to stop my car. I started back driving home once I realized my car needs to be turned completely off and sit. While I'm driving... Read more
KIA
CARNIVAL HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Engine smoking when started up engine has oil in it scared to move vehicle because I have no idea if it’s going to catch fire or anything
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
On June 4, 2026 I got into my 2017 Escape to head out for the day. Upon startup my car began to buck/idle roughly. Then my check engine light came on. I brought it in to be checked and was told that I had a cylinder 3 misfire. All coils and spark plugs were replaced at that time. The rough idling returned 2 days later and when checked the mechanic informed me that it may be a coolant intrusion. He... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I took my suv in for diagnostics to a certified GM dealership at least twice while still under warranty. The check engine light was on, the car was behaving abnormally as well as making unusual concerning noises. The dealership sent me away saying no codes showed up and they couldn’t find a problem.The light would come on and off sporadically. I took screen shots of my dashboard every time the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Kia Soul LX, 2.0L Engine Subject: Loss of Motive Power and Stall While Driving Under Recall SC336 Description of Incident: On 07/02 @ roughly 6:15PM, while driving on the highway I-35E at approximately 60 MPH, my vehicle's engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power, stalling while in motion. I was able to safely navigate to the shoulder, activate my hazard lights... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The engine locked up about a year ago, and since we didn’t technically have a recall we didn’t know what to do. It was able to drive again after we had a technician work on it, but now it’s not driving anymore. It shakes hard when it’s idling and driving. We have waited over 2 weeks to be diagnosed with the problem. We have had to spend $1300 on rental cars because we can’t get a loaner... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Even though the vehicle has been regularly serviced and exceptionally maintained, the rod bearing failed and now the whole engine has to be replaced. Unfortunately my vin is not covered as part of the recall for this exact same issue. I reached out to Honda and they are not willing to cover any of the $14k quoted to replace the engine.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Misfiring and then smoke in tail pipe. Just hit 70,000 miles and the engine needs replacing. A defect that's been known since I bought the car.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Vehicle listed caught on fire while driving on interstate with unknown cause. No previous warnings. Was a risk to safety of driver/and or passengers.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
My 2020 Ford EcoSport (1.0L EcoBoost) is covered by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt). The defect causes sudden loss of motive power at highway speed (65+ mph), usually after 40+ minutes of driving, with the powertrain warning light and code P0299 (turbo underboost). Losing power in Los Angeles freeway traffic is the safety hazard. The recall remedy has failed repeatedly. I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
My 2016 Jeep Wrangler will buck and jerk when on the highway. I’ll be going a steady speed, not changing speed. I feel the car slow down and stomp on the gas but it goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. When I try to go into the break down lane, the steering wheel locks up and won’t turn. Usually I take the key out then put it back in the ignition and it starts no problem. Recentl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
While driving on a highway, my 2019 Ford F-150 suddenly lost power during acceleration due to a transmission malfunction. The truck hesitated and failed to respond to the accelerator, nearly causing a rear-end collision. The transmission required a major overhaul at approximately 53,000 miles, yet the same symptoms returned shortly after the repair. Around 56,000 miles, the engine also developed a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible externa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine stall while idling immediately after fueling the gas tank to capacity on a day with high ambient temperatures (over 100°F). Leading up to the stall, the vehicle was subjected to temporary auxiliary loads (Max AC running and active steering input). Immediately following the stall, the vehicle exhibited a hard-start condition and would not catch ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Vehicle is a 2019 Honda CR-V (1.5L Turbo) experiencing an active internal mechanical failure—suspected collapsing/sticking piston rings bypassing the combustion chamber, resulting in severe, unmeasured oil consumption. The dealership (Wesley Chapel Honda) filled the engine with new oil and refuses to perform an internal diagnostic teardown or provide a safe alternative vehicle. Instead, they ar... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
While driving my truck returning from a camping trip I received the following warnings in the dash: Service ESC, Service traction control, forward collision system unavailable. Check engine light was flashing. I made the assumption that the Check engine light was due to the warnings listed above. I continued to drive the vehicle until I began to feel a very noticeable shudder at idle, at low sp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Bad engine, and Honda knows it, and they will not fix my car. I have reported this to Honda America and Honda Japan. Cylinder 2 and the head gasket went bad at 77,000 miles. I am disabled and a full-time student. This was diagnosed at Honda Autonation in Columbus Ga. I even asked whether they would take it as a trade-in. They said no, so my next step is to file a class action lawsuit against Honda... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
COMPONENT: Engine / Cooling System DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: My 2017 Ford Escape (1.5L GTDI EcoBoost engine, 83,891 miles) has been diagnosed by a Ford-authorized dealer (Apple Ford White Bear Lake, RO# 157692) with coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealer reports white/blue exhaust smoke on cold starts that dissipates after 10-20 seconds, and has recommended full short block rep... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My 2021 Subaru Forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system that creates a stalling hazard. When ISS shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when I try to move again. It cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a continuous alert sounds, and the vehicle cannot proceed until I shift to Park and restart manually. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
Hesitants and Shudders when shifting into 2nd gear.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The vehicle suffers from a persistent transmission defect including shuttering bucking slipping torque converter failure valve body failure twice metal debris improper down shifting chirping noises and related liability and safety issues. The vehicle has undergone multiple unsuccessful repair attempts at authorise GM dealerships. These repairs include torque converter replacement valve body replac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Sudden catastrophic engine failure with only 6000 miles on vehicle on May 26, 2026. 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X with known defective 6.2L L87 V8. Had to coast across three lanes of traffic to get to other median as highway location was on large curve. Someone very easily could have been hurt or killed.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Over the course of the last 3 months I have experienced different problems with the emissions on my truck. It started with replacing the sensor in the tail pipe then that led to loosing power while pulling my 25 foot goose neck trailer. On 7 different occasion I lost power while hooked up to my trailer. It happens with no warning either on hills or on a straight away. Two of the cases almost ... Read more
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2024) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
A service campaign/safety recall was issued, necessitating an engine replacement. Bramlett Kia in [XXX], performed this service in late May/early June of 2025. It took them an entire six weeks to do the work. Upon completion of the job, my husband attempted to drive it off their lot, only for the transmission to go out immediately. Kia also replaced the transmission. After this was done, my husban... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
My 2017 Ford Escape just alarmed me with a PO302 code and it happens to be coolant intrusion. It’s draining coolant levels.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN: [XXX]) Complaint Description: My vehicle is currently under active NHTSA Recalls 25V-766 and 26V-363. Following the 25V-766 software flash designed to detect internal engine bearing failure, the vehicle has experienced a sudden, unrecoverable loss of propulsion (Limp Mode) on the highway at 60 mph on three to four separate occasions. This has nearly resulted ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not r... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
While on the highway, going approximately 60-65mph, lights on my dashboard suddenly lit up and turned right back off as my car began to decelerate on its own. After I was able to get my car off to the side of the highway, I had to have it towed home as it was inoperable. I had it towed to my preferred auto shop and they discovered the engine had failed at only 84,000 miles. The total cost was appr... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
While driving vehicle on state highway exit at approximately 55 mph a knocking noise started coming from engine then engine just died and would not restart. Engine was replaced under recall.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
Component that failed: brakes. I was pulling into a parking spot at low speed and the brake pedal was suddenly extremely difficult to depress, almost impossible. It felt as if a brick were under the pedal but there was no obstruction. I was able to stop only because I was already going so slow. Safety of myself and others was at risk because I was almost unable to stop the vehicle. If I had been g... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Engine coolant intrusion into engine resulting in excessive visible smoke/steam on startup and coolant consumption. This issue has been inspected by a Ford dealer and private party mechanics, however could not be accurately diagnosed without engine disassembly. No evidence of external coolant leaks were present. The current consumption rate for coolant is approximately 2 qts per month. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
While stopped at a red light, the auto stop/start system shut the engine off and it failed to restart automatically. The dashboard showed "Low Power Steering" and "Engine Stopped - Press Brake Firmly to Restart." Pressing the brake did not work. I had to shift to Park and manually restart the vehicle. This has happened twice.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
XXX at 300 miles on the bike, it broke down FSS failure/ engine overheating warning system came on the screen. Island Powersports repaired it and said it didn’t have enough coolant. At 568 miles or so on the bike, while traveling on sunrise hwy at 60 miles an hour, the bike began shaking, same warning light FSS failure, check engine light on. The bike lost power and I had to get from the middle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Ever since I bought the car with zero miles I been having electrical issues. From reverse camera to low wash fluid light that doesn’t turned off . Now even when it’s over 100 degrees outside my car marks inside that’s 26 degrees . And now my Ac completely stopped working. I don’t know what to do I only owe $4,000 on my car
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
The turbocharger are bad on the 1.5 L vehicles. My current one , I had replaced already and my previous one had it too. Reduced engine power and should be recalled. I want to be reimbursed for the service and part replacement. 976.00 for the turbocharger and labor costs of 400.00. 3 1/2 hours of labor costs and the diagnostic test my nirth country GM in Hibbing. Should be recalled for all of t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I own a 2020 Kia Soul that received Recall SC209. Kia performed the recall remedy and considered the recall complete. Before the engine failed, the vehicle had a documented history of excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was previously diagnosed by an independent third-party mechanic shop for excessive oil consumption, and I repeatedly had to add significant amounts of engine oil between oil ch... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the engine compartment whenever the vehicle reached normal operating temperature. The contact stated that smoke entered the passenger’s side compartment through the air vents and was coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment due to an ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
My Ford Fusion with the Ecoboost 2.0L 4-cyl engine has the design flaw that has the issue with a coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. Mine is in cylinder #2. The local dealer quoted $10K to replace the engine because it has the design flaw. I need this repaired because I need it to get to work. my 2016 fusion should also be covered by the recall.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
This is the second time this has happened to my truck. I was driving on the freeway at about 30–40 mph when the truck suddenly shut off. It was very scary because I was in moving traffic. This time, several warning lights came on, but I didn’t have a chance to see what they were because I immediately started to panic. I had to bring the truck to a complete stop by applying the brakes and then ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate normally from a stop, especially in hot weather and when the A/C is running. When pressing the accelerator, the vehicle can hesitate for an extended period before moving. In a recent incident recorded on video (reference attachment), I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle failed to respond normally for more than 10 seconds, requiring me to pull ove... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
DATE: 06/17/2026 The engine shuts off without warning while I am driving, recurring roughly every 10 miles. When it stalls, the dashboard and electrical accessories stay on, but the vehicle loses motive power, along with power steering assist and power brake assist, which is extremely dangerous at road speed and in traffic. This began immediately after dealer service completed on 6/18/2026. Durin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption several years before the engine failed. In approximately 2019, I reported the oil consumption to an authorized Hyundai dealership and expressed concern that my vehicle might have one of the known Theta II engine defects. I was told the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) campaign had been completed and that my vehicle was not one requiring e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The engine-driven vacuum pump and turbocharger boost-control vacuum system malfunctioned. The vehicle developed insufficient vacuum to the boost-control system, resulting in a P0299 turbocharger underboost fault and reduced engine power. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experienced a noticeable loss of peak power and reduced acceleration. Although it did not enter... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Drive train, head gasket, burned valve, leaking
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Auto Start Stop seemed to have malfunction and shut the car off completely. I had to restart the car in traffic to get going. This happened twice, once going to work and once on a weekend trip to New Jersey. The only thing that's preventing an accident is you have to stop for the auto start feature to even activate.